Exotic Animals

Exotic Animals Konrad Circus in Kėdainiai. 1931. Courtesy of Kėdainiai Regional Museum.

Konrad Circus in Kėdainiai. 1931. Courtesy of Kėdainiai Regional Museum.

Konrad's Circus

In the streets of some shtetls, elephants would casually stroll around, brought by foreign circus troupes on their travels through different countries. One such remarkable circus, known as Konrad's Circus, made its way to Lithuania from Czechoslovakia in 1931. The circus delighted our townsfolk with a captivating display of diverse animals, including white bears, playful tiger cubs only a few months old, and striking zebras. Of course, the true stars of the show were the beloved elephants.

Yet, it wasn't just the exotic animals that fascinated the locals. Within this mesmerizing atmosphere, filled with wonder and curiosity, unexpected incidents would often unfold, providing intriguing stories to be shared for years to come. In Šiauliai, for instance, a rare occurrence unfolded when a polar bear passed away, leaving the community in surprise and sparking conversations throughout the town.

The fame of Konrad's Circus extended far beyond our borders, gaining recognition throughout Europe. It made its captivating stops in cities like Šiauliai, Kaunas, Kėdainiai, Panevėžys, Kybartai, Marijampolė, Alytus, and Tauragė.